Solstice at Faslane

Around 25 people gathered to celebrate the Solstice at Faslane as part of the Faslane 365 blockades. The midges were horrendous, in huge biting clouds, and it was only with the arrival of large quantities of black netting provided by Clare, from the Peace Camp, and loads of midgie hoods, from Jane, that we all survived. The police cowered in the safety of a police van which had its engine running all night. They haven't started acting on the necessity of preventing climate change yet!

We lit over a hundred candles in brightly painted jars to symbolise this the 100th blockading group to have come to Faslane since the start of Faslane 365. Everyone in their own way re-committed themselves to getting rid of the UK's nuclear weapons to lead the way to global nuclear disarmament. We held a circle to throw away the pains and horrors of our present world and to bring in the hopes and desires of our wanted world.

Some dancing and singing was enjoyed but the brass instruments were interrupted by swarms of midges getting into the mouthpieces and spoiling the effect! A brazier was lit and the smoke helped keep the air clear of the mightly little pests - a reminder that however small we can have an impact and create change.

A few hardy souls got into sleeping bags and slept by the gates and others kept the vigil going until dawn broke. Around 5.30a.m. Mark decided to sit in front of the gates but because they were open just casually walked inside, perhaps forgetting that SOCAP applies. He was arrested and taken out of the base and then in again for 'processing' inside Faslane, before being sent to Dumbarton with the Strathclyde police.

Thankyou everyone for coming.